10 things to do on a beautiful Seattle day

Seattle has plenty of gorgeous days, you just don’t always hear about them. When it’s nice, though, you can’t beat it. On a sunny, 75 degree summer day, there are few places that rival the scenery. Perfect days, though, instill a level urgency in the populace because of our acute awareness that drizzle and gloom are always just around the corner. If it were 72 and sunny everyday, it’d be San Diego—and who wants that? In Seattle, when it’s nice out, you go play like it’s the last nice day you’re going to see for a month, and it might be. Here are a couple of suggestions:

Green Lake Park  7201 E Green Lake Dr N.
Always a popular sunny day spot, recreation at Green Lake Park abounds. There is a 2.8-mile trail around the lake, perfect for a quick run or easy stroll. There are also paddleboats and kayaks available for rent, allowing for some gentle exploration. On a beautiful day this is the best way to soak up some rays.

Seattle Ferry Service Ice Cream Cruise  206.284.2828
If you’re in the mood to take a cruise around Lake Union, the Sunday Ice Cream Cruise is an absolute best. Leaving from South Lake Union, this cruise gives you ice cream to enjoy while the captain points out spots like Dale Chihuly's studio, Gas Works Park and the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat.

Alki Beach 1702 Alki Ave SW
On Alki, rollerblades are still cool, like a little slice of Euro-hipsters invaded West Seattle. So if inline shredding of the rad sounds cool, by all means, rent some ‘blades. Also, it’s an amazing beach for people watching, outdoor patio bars, volleyball, frisbee, and any number of other standard beach attraction. The skyline looms large and beautiful across the sound, so enjoy the view while getting a bit of exercise.

Linda’s Tavern 707 E Pine St. 206.325.2111
Linda’s is one of the best places to drink outside in the city. Located just East of downtown on Capitol Hill, the bar boasts a crowd as diverse as it’s cocktails. It’s consistently hopping, reasonably priced, and has a huge patio for knocking back a cold one on a hot afternoon.

Golden Gardens 8498 Seaview Pl NW
Even when the day is warm and sunny, nights can get a little chilly. This is a perfect excuse to bundle up and stoke a fire at Golden Gardens in Ballard and roast marshmallows. You must bring your own fire-making necessities, but there are many fire-pits available, volleyball courts and the perfect setting to watch the sunset grace the Olympics.

The Burke Gilman Trail
At 30 miles of combustion-free asphalt from Ballard to Bothell, The Burke Gilman is Seattle's most famous biking, waking and running trail.

Outdoor Movies Fremont Outdoor Cinema N 35th and Phinney Ave
Cinema on the Lawn 101 Westlake Ave N
Enjoy cinema in nature at Seattle’s seasonal outdoor movie screenings. This is strictly a summertime only thing, probably with good reason. Movies are an across the board selection of quirky favorites and newer hits, so check the websites to find out one that sounds fun.

Shakespeare in the Park  (Several locations, check Website)
Green Stage, the company behind Shakespeare in the Park, believes strongly that “theater can be enjoyed in the same spirit as a picnic or a ballgame.” They perform at several parks in Seattle area in July and August, making for a fun afternoon or evening. Because the organization is built on the concept including new people and putting on interesting, unique performances of classic plays, admission is always free, with donations gladly accepted. Check out our sports guides for more ideas:

Also see:
Spring Sports Guide